Wisdom Teeth Removal and Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction can be a necessary procedure for a number of reasons including severe tooth damage, external complications or to prepare for orthodontic treatment. Today’s method of tooth extraction does not live up the often used cliché for pain – “pulling teeth” – that most people would associate with this procedure.

Below we will explain the common reasons a tooth extraction procedure is recommended, discuss wisdom tooth extraction and describe the procedure.

Why Would a Tooth be Extracted?

Dr. Rykiss and associatesmight suggest a tooth extraction procedure for one of the following reasons:

1. Extra tooth removal: Extra teeth, also called supernumerary teeth, may be removed because they restrict other teeth from erupting. Supernumerary teeth may also cause other dental or orthodontic problems and are removed to prevent future dental issues.
2. Extensive decay or trauma: When a tooth is beyond the point of repair it may be extracted to avoid future pain and complications.
3. Misaligned teeth: If misaligned teeth are forecasted to cause or are already causing additional dental issues they may be extracted to prevent future oral health complications.
4. Orthodontic treatment preparation: When extra space may be required to allow for proper teeth alignment an orthodontist may refer patients to our office to extract the problematic teeth.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common scenarios in which teeth will be removed. While not all patients will need their wisdom teeth removed, it is a fairly regular procedure and a particularly safe one.

Wisdom teeth are commonly removed between the ages of 17 and 25 around the time a patient reaches adulthood. Generally speaking, a patient who has problematic third molars (wisdom teeth) will get them at a more mature age hence the term “wisdom teeth.” These teeth are removed because they can create problems with the other teeth such as appearing at a time where the mouth does not have room for additional teeth. It is not uncommon for dentists to recommend the removal of wisdom teeth before they cause pain or discomfort because of the relationship they have as the cause of future orthodontic issues.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

After an x-ray has been taken of your mouth and evaluated to determine the condition of your teeth and oral health, Dr. Rykiss will apply a local anesthetic to the tooth as well as the area surrounding the tooth to virtually eliminate any pain that is involved in the extraction. Most patients only experience minimal discomfort during the procedure with most of the discomfort coming in the form of mild soreness after it has been completed.

The typical healing time for extractions is around one week and some over-the-counter as well as prescription pain medication may be provided to help remedy the soreness as well as to prevent the newly extracted area from getting infected.

To learn more about wisdom tooth removal or tooth extraction contact Linden Market Dental Centre today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Rykiss.